Future of Libertyland wooden coaster uncertain

Associated Press - November 20, 2009 4:15 AM ET

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Preservationists hoping to save the Zippin Pippin at the closed Libertyland amusement park in Memphis are upset that demolition crews tore out a piece of the roller coaster this week.

Housing and Community Development Director Robert Lipscomb said the piece was taken to see if the coaster was salvageable.

But Steve Mulroy, a county commissioner and member of the nonprofit Save Libertyland, told The Commercial Appeal he was troubled by the action because he had been told the roller coaster would not be touched.

Some hope the wooden coaster can be repaired and reinstalled elsewhere. The park's century-old Grand Carousel has been dismantled and is in storage until it finds a new home.

The city is redeveloping the Mid-South Fairgrounds site into a family-oriented public area.

Information from: The Commercial Appeal, http://www.commercialappeal.com